Joseph S. Bermudez Jr.

Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis, iDeas Lab and Korea Chair
Joseph S. Bermudez Jr.

Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. is an internationally recognized analyst, award-winning author, and lecturer on North Korean defense and intelligence affairs and ballistic missile development in developing countries. He is concurrently senior fellow for Imagery Analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); senior adviser and imagery analyst for the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK); author for IHS Markit (formerly the Jane's Information Group); and publisher and editor of KPA Journal. Formerly, he has served as founder and chief analytics officer of KPA Associates, LLC, senior imagery analyst for 38 North at Johns Hopkins SAIS, chief analytics officer and co-founder of AllSource Analysis, Inc., and senior all-source analyst for DigitalGlobe’s Analysis Center. He has authored four books and more than 300 articles, reports, and monographs on numerous defense-related subjects. Mr. Bermudez has consulted and lectured extensively in academic and government environments both in the United States (e.g., National Defense University, Columbia University, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Alamos National Laboratories, Stanford University, U.S. Marine Corps University, U.S. Army Intelligence, U.S. Naval Intelligence, U.S. Navy Postgraduate School) and internationally (e.g., United Nations, Israel Defense Forces, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Republic of Korea National Defense College). He has also testified before the United Nations and U.S. Congress as a subject matter expert concerning North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear, chemical and biological warfare programs, satellite imagery of North Korean political prisoner camps, and ballistic missile development in the developing countries.

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Gaza's Solar Power in Wartime

In the midst of the Israel-Hamas war, solar power has proved to be a lifeline for Gazans, revealing the resilience of small-scale systems in conflict zones. These systems, however, have also become new military targets.

Commentary by Will Todman Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun — November 21, 2023

Tracking China’s Naval Modernization at Key Shipyards

Work continues apace on a rapid buildup of China’s navy. Recent satellite imagery of Jiangnan Shipyard and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard shows significant progress on China’s third aircraft carrier, a new Type 075 amphibious assault ship, and several other new vessels. 

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole Brian Hart Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Samantha Lu — November 21, 2023

The Capital Cable #80: North Korea-Russia Arms Cooperation

On the CSIS Capital Cable, Mark Lippert, Victor Cha and Sue Mi Terry are joined by Joe Bermudez, Senior Fellow for Imagery Analysis at CSIS to talk about recent revelations of North Korean transfer of ammunition and weapons to Russia. 

Event — October 19, 2023

Ongoing Arms Transfer Activity at Najin Port

Latest satellite imagery of Najin Port indicates that at least six trips transporting munitions have been made by sea between North Korea and Russia.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun — October 17, 2023

North Korea Launches New Ballistic Missile Submarine

North Korea launched a new ballistic missile submarine, the Hero Kim Kun Ok, at the Sinpo South Shipyard. Satellite imagery analysis before, during, and after the launch details the unveiled and much-anticipated submarine and changes to the nearby environment.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun — September 11, 2023

Base Expansion in Mali Indicates Growing Wagner Group Investment

Contrary to rumors that the Wagner Group is weakening, CSIS analyzes recent satellite imagery showing that Wagner is expanding its base capacity in Bamako and may intend to soon transfer additional valuable military equipment to Mali.

Commentary by Catrina Doxsee Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun — August 15, 2023

Punggye-ri Update: No Indications of Test Preparations

Recent satellite imagery of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Facility shows minor activity at the main administration area and no new activity at the tunnels. However, preparations at Tunnel No. 3 are considered to have long been completed.

Commentary by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. Victor Cha and Jennifer Jun — June 27, 2023